Creag Phadrig

The views from the top of the hill fort were amazing.

Creag Phadrig, Patrick's Hill, is to the west of Inverness.  Tradition says it has the fort of Pictish King Bridei on top.  Excavations have shown there is a vitrified fort from the right time, 800 AD, so it could be true.  After a day of taking care of things around the house, we decided to hike the hill and see for ourselves.

Looking the other direction at Beauly Firth.

A little explanation, plus a picture of a cute Red Squirrel.

The walk up is steeper than it looks from the parking area.

The inner wall of the fort, now grown over with grasses.

We walked up and around the top of the fort, stopping to admire the views, as well as trying to figure out just where we were looking.  It would have helped if I hadn't been confusing east and west but we did identify Beauly Forth.  Things look different from on high. We walked down the opposite side of the fort from where we came up, to continue the longer forest walk.  Bill was sure we were going the wrong way, but all you have to do is follow the colors on the posts.

Follow the painted signs to make it back.

We made it back to the car park, just as several locals were arriving to walk their dogs in the woods.  We saw a couple of wild locals, too.

 A European Common Frog, although with his beautiful golden color, I think he should be named European
Royal Frog.

This little fuzzy guy was walking along the path in a hurry to get somewhere..